A couple of times a year, we try to do a little behind the scenes activity to keep the conversation going, add a little inspiration into the mix and encourage us to share. Well, while I was busy pinning (like you do) I came across some fabulous free printables featuring wonderful artwork about thankfulness and gratitude. I popped over to see the linked blog and immediately knew this would be perfect for our autumn team activity - right before Thanksgiving and around Harvest Festival time here in Europe.

The creator of these wonderful creations is Allison Kimball (http://www.allison.kimball.com) and she has two incredible sets of images for you to download and print out for your own personal use. She kindly agreed that we use her art for our team activity.

Find the downloads here (go to the bottom of the post to see her own creations) and here.

The activity I set the team was to use one or more of these images in a creation of their own and I am really excited to see what they have made.

So... If you have landed here direct, you can go back to the Counterfeit blog to start at the beginning of the hop and the full list is at the end of my post. I'm right at the end so when you are done here, make sure you head over to Allison's site to download your own set and get creating.

As always, I was late making my page but somehow the timing made my layout all the more poignant, matching up a photo from a trip to Paris a few years ago with two of the printables to write a few words about how grateful I am for my life. Right here. Right now.

I used my November Remembrance kit and picked out the softer colours to support the calm photo and the thoughtful journalling.

I used the "Count Your Blessings" image to list out all the people - or at least 32 of them - who are important in my life. I printed out the image much smaller than the original and knew that I wouldn't be able to fit names into each of the small boxes. So, I just listed their first name initials and added all the names on the back of the page so that I know exactly who I mean with all those letters!

On the other side of the photo, I printed out the globe image in the same size and then squeezed my journalling into the centre.

I kept the rest of the layout pretty simple.

We'd love you to join in this extra challenge this month. Head over to Allison's blog (don't forget to let her know we sent you!), download the files and get creating! Make sure you link up your creation so we can come on over and see what you are thankful for right now.

What a beautiful, reflective page during a time of sadness & unease. We are indeed a "global village" & somehow you have captured the shining loveliness that Paris represents to many, as well as the delicate appearance of the Eiffel Tower that belies it's strength.That gold element on the right could not be more perfect with your stunning photo. Even the striped paper seems somehow French! Utterly, achingly lovely... xo

Beautiful, understated and elegant! I really like those gold florals on the right side of the page and your clever solution to the small size of the printable. I'm definitely pinning this one! Thanks for coming up with this idea - I really enjoyed participating and seeing all the wonderful projects!

You have rocked the white space in this one. It give pause to consider the tenuous existence of peace. But while the world is in turmoil, each can find inner peace. Remembering how many people are a blessing to us is a good place to start. I like your little Initial Graph. Shame on me for not paying better attention to the names of those close to you. #1 is Rolf. 2&3 is Mom & Dad. Beyond that I would be guessing.